Hill, an advanced standing MSW student, is one of just 40 fellows selected nationwide this year through a highly competitive three-round review process. The fellowship supports graduate students committed to improving mental health and substance use services, particularly in underserved communities.

For Hill, the recognition represents more than an academic achievement. It reflects a personal journey of overcoming challenges that ultimately inspired him to pursue a career dedicated to helping others.

Drawing from his own life experiences, Hill developed a passion for social work and a desire to support individuals facing difficult circumstances. His journey has shaped his commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others, particularly those who may feel overlooked or underserved.

A Benton High School graduate, Hill earned his associate degree from the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College before transferring to UA Little Rock, where he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Social Work and a minor in English. He chose to remain at the university for his master’s degree because of the relationships he developed with faculty and fellow students.

Through the fellowship, which is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Hill will receive financial support, specialized training, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with social work professionals nationwide.

“Being selected tells me that my experience, including the hardest parts of my past, has value in this field,” Hill said. “It鈥檚 a national affirmation that the work I want to do matters.”

Dr. Laura Danforth, director and professor of UA Little Rock’s School of Social Work, said Hill’s selection is a remarkable achievement for both him and the university.

“We could not be prouder of Phillip for earning this national distinction and representing UA Little Rock’s School of Social Work so exceptionally well!” Danforth said.

Beyond the fellowship, Hill is gaining hands-on experience through an internship at Little Rock Recovery, where he works with clients in early recovery under the guidance of Michael Godfrey, a licensed clinical social worker, and Brian Fleckenstine, a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. He also serves as a graduate research assistant under Dr. Esaa Mohammad Samarah, an assistant professor in UA Little Rock鈥檚 School of Social Work, studying topics including peer recovery, corporal punishment, and rural behavioral health.

His research has earned national recognition, with presentations accepted at the 2026 CSWE conference and the 2027 Society for Social Work and Research conference. He is also the lead author of one manuscript and co-author of another, both pending publication.

Hill credits several UA Little Rock faculty members, including Professor Morgan Leyenberger, Dr. Theresa Flowers, Dr. Samarah, and Dr. Danforth, for their mentorship, encouragement, and support throughout his academic journey.

“Working with faculty changed how I see my own future,” Hill said. “Doing real research, being treated as a contributor, and seeing my name on manuscripts showed me that my past doesn鈥檛 close doors in this field. It鈥檚 part of what I bring to it.”

After completing his master’s degree, Hill plans to begin working full time as a clinical provider at Little Rock Recovery in Maumelle, where he has already accepted a position. He also hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in social work and eventually teach future generations of social workers.

For students considering opportunities in research, fellowships, or professional development, Hill encourages them to take chances.

“Take chances, and get comfortable being uncomfortable,” Hill said. “Apply for the things that seem like a long shot. If you don鈥檛 apply, the answer is automatically no.”

The post UA Little Rock Student Makes History as First Social Work Minority Fellowship Recipient appeared first on News.

The seven-year campaign brought together 22,762 donors who made 197,887 donations, investing in scholarships, student success, academic excellence, and a campus that continues to evolve. Their generosity established 211 new endowments and helped grow UA Little Rock’s endowment by 192%.

Behind those numbers were years of personal conversations and relationship-building. Over the course of the campaign, UA Little Rock’s development team conducted more than 19,000 face-to-face visits with donors and prospective supporters, helping connect their philanthropic interests with opportunities to make a difference for students and the university.

The university announced the final campaign total of $266,532,569.07 during a Nov. 5 celebration of the donors, alumni, and community partners whose support has helped shape UA Little Rock’s future.

“Seven years ago, a $250 million campaign for UA Little Rock might have seemed out of reach,” said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. “Tonight, we celebrate not just reaching that goal, but what reaching it says about who we have become.”

The Centennial Campaign has helped make college more affordable, opened new opportunities for students and faculty, and transformed spaces across campus. Many of those investments will continue to benefit students long after the campaign’s conclusion.

“Leading this campaign has been one of the proudest accomplishments of my career, and I couldn’t be prouder of the advancement team that helped make it happen,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “We built the relationships, earned the trust of our donors and put in the work to achieve something historic for UA Little Rock. And we’re not slowing down. We’ll build on this momentum because our work is about creating opportunities that will change lives for generations and ensuring UA Little Rock is positioned to serve Arkansas for the next 100 years.”

Opening Doors Through Scholarships

One of the Centennial Campaign’s most significant accomplishments has been helping UA Little Rock rethink what college affordability can look like for Arkansas students.

Private support helped launch two major affordability initiatives, the Half-Off Scholarship and the Trojan Guarantee, which have reduced the cost of earning a degree and opened new opportunities for students and families.

The Half-Off Scholarship began with a transformational anonymous gift, allowing UA Little Rock to reduce tuition costs for incoming freshmen. The university later introduced the Trojan Guarantee, which covers remaining tuition costs for qualifying students who receive both a Pell Grant and the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship.

Now, UA Little Rock is working to make that commitment to affordability permanent through the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program, which was established through a $7.5 million gift from the Windgate Foundation. 

The goal is to ensure that the affordability initiatives students benefit from today will remain available to future generations.

For nursing student Erryn Washington, scholarship support has already made a difference.

“When I received my scholarship, it felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders,” Washington said. “Before that, I worried constantly about how I was going to pay for school. Now I can focus on finishing my degree and preparing for a career in healthcare.”

That kind of financial stability can change a student’s entire college experience, allowing them to spend less time worrying about tuition and more time preparing for what comes next.

Helping Students Succeed

Making college affordable is an important first step, but UA Little Rock’s commitment to students extends well beyond helping them enroll.

The Centennial Campaign also invested in student success, supporting the people, programs and resources that help students navigate college and complete their degrees.

At UA Little Rock, students come from many different backgrounds and follow different paths toward graduation. Some arrive directly from high school. Others return to college after time away, balance classes with full-time jobs, or pursue degrees while raising families.

For those students, success often depends on more than academic ability. Access to guidance, encouragement and support can make the difference between stopping out and continuing toward a degree.

UA Little Rock student Latoya Vaughn’s educational journey illustrates the persistence that many students bring to their studies and the importance of having a university community invested in helping them succeed.

“One of the things I’ve learned at UA Little Rock is that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own,” LaToya said. “There are people here to help in lots of ways. Having that support has given me more confidence in myself and reminded me that there are people here who genuinely want to see me succeed.”

Through the Centennial Campaign, donors have helped strengthen UA Little Rock’s ability to meet students where they are and support them as they work toward graduation.

Investing in Academic Excellence

The Centennial Campaign has also created new opportunities for faculty and students through investments in academic leadership, research and innovative teaching.

Endowed directorships, made possible by the Windgate Foundation, the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, and the Yupo and Susan Chan Charitable Trust, are already advancing programs in nursing, education and engineering.

At the Center for Simulation Innovation, Dr. Judy Staley is helping nursing students prepare for patient care through the new Innovation Station. Using virtual reality and other simulation technologies, students can practice complex clinical scenarios, strengthen their judgment and build confidence before entering a patient room.

In the School of Education, Dr. Rachel Eells has helped launch one of the state’s first year-long, paid teacher residency programs, giving aspiring educators extensive classroom experience before they begin their careers.

The program has achieved nearly 100% job placement among graduates within three years, and a member of its inaugural cohort has already been named Teacher of the Year in their district. 

Support from the Trinity Foundation has also helped the School of Education launch a new early childhood education program and endow faculty positions that support the program.

In the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Dr. Srikanth Pidugu is helping faculty establish new research laboratories and creating additional opportunities for students to participate in real-world engineering projects.

The benefits of these investments reach beyond the university. Nursing graduates will care for patients, education graduates will teach in Arkansas classrooms, and engineering graduates will build Arkansas’s infrastructure. 

The endowed directorships will continue supporting academic leadership and innovation, giving faculty the resources to develop programs and opportunities that will benefit future students.

Transforming the Campus Experience

The Centennial Campaign has helped reshape UA Little Rock’s campus, creating new spaces for students to learn, connect and build a sense of community.

One of the most visible changes is the revitalization of Trojan Way, which has created a welcoming new front door to campus and a gathering place for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors.

The project grew out of a longstanding partnership with the Donaghey Foundation, which has supported UA Little Rock since the university’s earliest years. Greg Flesher, chair of the foundation, said its trustees periodically challenge university leaders to bring forward ideas that could make a significant difference for the institution. Chancellor Drale answered that challenge with a vision for Trojan Way, a central gathering place that would change how students and visitors experience campus.

“Occasionally, we ask the chancellor for a game-changing idea,” Flesher said. “The chancellor came up with the idea of Trojan Way. She said it would be very instrumental to the university to have a focal point that stretched the entire length and width of the university.”

Flesher said the project’s impact has exceeded his expectations, particularly in creating a more welcoming environment for prospective students and their families.

Many professors were inspired to think about things that existed on campus but had been shuttered,鈥� said Flesher 鈥淒ifferent cohorts of professors have been involved in getting each of these back open not only for university students but for people here in Central Arkansas. All these things that get more people on campus are good for the university.鈥�

The transformation extends into the classroom. A total of 22 classrooms and labs have been renovated, providing updated learning environments for students and faculty. Along with improvements to laboratories and other academic spaces, these projects are helping modernize the campus and enhance the student experience.

The Shellam Flake planetarium adds another dimension to UA Little Rock’s campus transformation, creating opportunities for students and visitors to explore astronomy and science in an immersive setting. The space also strengthens the university’s connection to the community, inviting people of all ages to experience learning and discovery on campus. The soft open is scheduled next month. 

A Legacy for the Next Century

Centennial Campaign Co-Chairs Alfred Williams and Jerry Damerow helped build support for the university’s ambitious fundraising goal, drawing on their longstanding connections to UA Little Rock and their commitment to its future.

For Williams, the campaign was an opportunity to continue a family connection that stretches back to the university’s earliest years. His father attended Little Rock Junior College and later served on its board of trustees. Williams attended Little Rock University, carrying forward a relationship with the institution that spans generations.

“Serving as a co-chair was deeply personal,鈥� said Williams. 鈥淚 know what a UA Little Rock education can mean, and I wanted the students who came after me to have even more opportunities. To see where we are today makes me incredibly proud.”

Damerow’s connection began through the STEM College Dean’s Advisory Council. After more than 35 years of making Arkansas home with his wife, he saw an opportunity to support a university whose graduates contribute to the state’s workforce and communities.

“It warms my heart to know that generations of Arkansans will benefit from our work on the Centennial Campaign,” he said. “As a result of outstanding leadership, UA Little Rock is on a sharp upward trajectory, and it has been a true joy to be a small part of that.”

Williams and Damerow were joined by members of the Centennial Campaign Cabinet, alumni, foundations, corporations, and thousands of individual donors who helped the university exceed its historic goal.

Among the campaign’s most enduring achievements are the 211 new endowments established to provide permanent support for scholarships, faculty leadership, academic programs, and student success.

Those funds will continue supporting the university long after the seven-year campaign has ended, allowing the generosity of today’s donors to reach students who have not yet set foot on campus.

“Those investments have changed UA Little Rock forever,” Drale said. “They have helped us become stronger, more innovative and better positioned to serve our students than ever before.”

As UA Little Rock enters its second century, the Centennial Campaign has laid the groundwork for the university’s future. Students will benefit from expanded scholarship opportunities, stronger academic programs and a campus transformed by the generosity of thousands of donors.

“Every gift to this campaign was an investment in what UA Little Rock can become,” said O’Neal. “Our responsibility now is to honor that generosity by putting these resources to work, delivering on the promises we’ve made to our donors, and continue creating opportunities for the students and communities we serve.”

The post UA Little Rock Makes History with $266 Million Centennial Campaign appeared first on News.

Nano Day 2026 will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Ledbetter A, B, and C of the Donaghey Student Center. The event will showcase nanotechnology research taking place across UA Little Rock through faculty presentations, student research posters, laboratory tours, and opportunities for networking and interdisciplinary collaboration. Registration for the event is now closed.

Nanotechnology involves studying and manipulating materials at an extremely small scale, often at the level of individual atoms and molecules, with applications spanning fields such as medicine, electronics, energy, and advanced materials.听

Dr. Gregory Guisbiers, associate professor of physics and astronomy at UA Little Rock, launched Nano Day in 2025 as a way to bring together researchers and students working across disciplines.

鈥淲hen I started Nano Day at UA Little Rock in 2025, one of my goals was to create a space where our faculty members and students could come together to share ideas, highlight the exciting nanoscience and nanotechnology research being conducted across our campus, and build new connections,鈥� Guisbiers said. 鈥淣anotechnology is inherently interdisciplinary, bringing together physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, materials science, and many other fields.鈥�

This year鈥檚 event will feature an invited presentation from Dr. Saw Hla of Argonne National Laboratory, a leading researcher in nanoscience and nanoscale materials. His presentation will give attendees an opportunity to learn about cutting-edge developments in nanotechnology and engage with an internationally recognized scientist.

Students will also have the opportunity to showcase their own work through judged poster presentations, interact with researchers, and learn more about different areas of nanotechnology.

鈥淓ngaging directly with the scientific community and interacting with internationally recognized researchers are invaluable experiences that complement their academic education and help prepare them for future careers in science and technology,鈥� Guisbiers said.

In addition to research presentations and laboratory tours, Nano Day will provide opportunities for attendees to network and build connections across disciplines. The event will conclude with an awards ceremony recognizing student poster presentations.

The post UA Little Rock to Celebrate Nanotechnology Research at Nano Day 2026 appeared first on News.

Thomas, a Little Rock native, participated in the program to strengthen her preparation for the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, a standardized exam used in the medical school admissions process, while gaining a better understanding of the medical profession.

鈥淚 applied to the program because I wanted to become more prepared and competitive for medical school, but I gained much more than academic preparation,鈥� said Thomas, a biology major with a chemistry minor. 鈥淭he mentorship, clinical exposure, physician interactions, and guidance from medical professionals gave me a clearer understanding of the path ahead and strengthened my confidence that I am pursuing the right career.鈥�

Thomas spent her mornings volunteering on a surgical floor at UAMS, where she transported patients to pre-op, assisted patients鈥� families, and saw how surgical teams operate. Her afternoons included MCAT preparation, professional development, and conversations with physicians, residents, medical students, and admissions representatives. She also gained hands-on experience through ultrasound and suturing labs.

The program gave Thomas her first opportunity to shadow a physician in a clinical setting. She especially enjoyed shadowing a surgical oncologist, which helped her further explore her interest in oncology and surgery.

鈥淪eeing the combination of patient care, teamwork, and problem-solving made me even more excited to pursue medicine and look forward to experiencing clinical rotations during my third and fourth years of medical school,鈥� Thomas said.

She said her coursework at UA Little Rock gave her a strong foundation for the academic side of the program, particularly its focus on MCAT preparation. Courses in anatomy, physics, biology, General Chemistry I and II, psychology and organic chemistry covered subjects she encountered while studying for the exam.

Courses such as Organic Chemistry I and II, Microbiology, and Human Anatomy have also challenged Thomas to develop new study methods and focus on understanding and applying material rather than simply memorizing it. She said those experiences have helped her become a more disciplined and adaptable student as she prepares for medical school.

Thomas has also received support through the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program. She credited Donaghey Scholars directors Dr. Jessica Scott and Dr. Simon Hawkins with helping guide her through important decisions about her classes and degree plan. She also works with Donaghey mentors Nistha Neupane and Maria Waite, who have supported her journey toward medical school and helped her navigate challenging courses.

The Donaghey Scholars program has also supported Thomas鈥� research experiences, including helping fund an opportunity for her to present research at an American Chemical Society conference in Atlanta.

Beyond Donaghey Scholars, Thomas has spent the past year conducting research in Dr. Wei Zhao鈥檚 lab, where she has grown as a researcher and received opportunities including a Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship grant, travel grants, and Signature Experience Grants. She also credited organic chemistry professor Dr. Juliette Rivero with supporting her academically and helping secure funding for her research presentation.

“Her discipline, resilience, and focus on her goal of becoming a medical doctor set her apart as one of my most dedicated students,鈥� Rivero said. 鈥淟ydia is a wonderful representation of our Trojan community, and I’m very proud of her. I have no doubt that the same drive will carry her all the way to becoming a great physician.鈥�

Thomas said the support she has received from faculty and mentors across campus helped shape her experience at UA Little Rock and given her confidence as she pursues her goals in medicine and research.

鈥淓ach of these mentors has supported me in a different way, whether through academics, research, financial support, mentorship, or simply believing in me,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淭heir encouragement has given me opportunities I might not have had otherwise and has helped me become more confident in myself as a student. More importantly, they have helped me realize that I belong in spaces where I can pursue both medicine and research, and their support has played a significant role in the person and future physician I am working to become.鈥�

Thomas is also involved in several campus organizations, including the Student Government Association, Pre-Health Club, McNair Scholars, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the American Chemical Society, and Art Club. She said those experiences have helped her build leadership, communication, organization, and time-management skills that proved useful while interacting with medical professionals during the UAMS program.

The summer experience ultimately strengthened Thomas鈥� decision to pursue medical school and gave her a clearer picture of the career she is working toward.

鈥淥verall, this experience strengthened my decision to pursue medical school because it allowed me to see medicine in a real-world setting,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淚 left the experience feeling even more certain that I want a career where I can work directly with patients, be part of a healthcare team, and use my knowledge and skills to make a difference in people’s lives.鈥�

The post UA Little Rock Student Gains Hands-On Medical Experience Through UAMS Summer Program appeared first on News.

The five-year grant will support Professional Readiness through Immersive Simulation Models, or PRISM, an initiative to establish an Interprofessional AI Simulation Center serving undergraduate and graduate students in the college.听

The center will provide students with a critical bridge between classroom learning and real-world professional experiences. Students will be able to apply what they have learned in a low-stakes simulation environment, giving them opportunities to practice decision-making, communication, problem-solving, and other professional skills before entering internships, field placements, clinicals, and the workforce.

鈥淭his grant gives us an incredible opportunity to strengthen the connection between what students learn in the classroom and how they apply it in the real world,鈥� said Dr. Ginger Gummelt, dean of the College of Business, Health, and Human Services. 鈥淪imulation gives students a place to practice, make decisions, receive feedback, and build confidence before they enter a professional setting. By embedding these experiences throughout our college, we can make experiential learning an even stronger part of how we prepare our graduates.鈥�

PRISM will serve students across the college鈥檚 five schools in disciplines including business, criminal justice, social work, counseling, human performance and rehabilitation, and nursing.

鈥淭he exciting part of this project is our ability to use emerging technologies to create experiences that feel authentic to the situations students will encounter in their professions,鈥� said Dr. Ahmed Halimeh, director of the Emerging Analytics Center. 鈥淲orking alongside faculty across the college, we can build simulations that give students opportunities to practice, experiment, and learn in ways that simply aren鈥檛 possible in a traditional classroom.鈥�

Over the five-year grant period, UA Little Rock plans to develop more than 21 AI-enhanced simulation scenarios. The project will also integrate AI literacy into the curriculum, provide extensive faculty development, create stackable credentials validated by employers, and support research into the effectiveness of simulation-based learning.

鈥淭his project brings together several of UA Little Rock鈥檚 strengths: innovative teaching, emerging technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strong focus on preparing students for successful careers,鈥� said Dr. Ann Bain, provost and executive vice chancellor. 鈥淧RISM will allow faculty to create learning experiences that are directly connected to the skills students will need after graduation. It is an exciting investment not only in technology, but in student success and workforce readiness.鈥�

Simulation will serve as a middle layer in students鈥� professional preparation. After learning concepts and skills in the classroom, students can test and strengthen those abilities through realistic simulations before applying them in higher-stakes professional environments like internships and project-based experiences.

The approach also allows faculty to create experiences that may be difficult to replicate consistently in traditional classroom or field settings. Students could encounter realistic workplace situations, interact with AI-driven scenarios, practice professional judgment, and receive feedback in a controlled learning environment.

Through PRISM, simulation will become a more intentional part of the student experience across CBHHS, helping students move from learning concepts to practicing them and, ultimately, applying them in their professions.

Learn more about CBHHS and its various offerings and programs online.

The post UA Little Rock Receives Nearly $3 Million Grant to Create AI-Powered Simulation Center appeared first on News.

The two-day symposium featured research presentations from faculty and graduate students who received CBHHS research grants, along with workshops and a guest lecture from Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale, a clinician, researcher, adjunct faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine, and director of the OCD Institute of Texas. Her talk, titled 鈥淭he Un-Fragile Generation: What OCD and Anxiety Research Teaches Us About Educating Independent, Resilient Young Adults,鈥� closed the first day of the symposium.

Drawing from her experience growing up with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder and later receiving evidence-based treatment, she discussed how well-intentioned efforts to ease anxiety could sometimes reinforce avoidance. McIngvale encouraged attendees to recognize anxiety without removing the situations that triggered it, connecting the approach to the classroom, where faculty could support students through anxiety and hardship while helping them face those experiences and build resilience.

Research presented throughout the symposium spanned topics ranging from maternal health disparities and workforce skills to artificial intelligence (AI), homelessness services, and community volunteerism.

Assistant professor Judy Staley of the School of Nursing and associate professor Stacy Pendergraft of the School of Literary and Performing Arts examined how culturally responsive simulation could prepare nursing students to address maternal health disparities.

鈥淲e cannot teach students only how to recognize a hemorrhage, manage preeclampsia, or respond to an obstetric emergency,鈥� Staley said. 鈥淲e also have to teach them to recognize the patient in front of them, listen to what that patient is telling them, identify potential bias, and have the confidence to advocate.鈥�

At the School of Business, associate professor Connie Barber examined how skills acquired through online gaming could apply to the digital workforce. Her research focused on how gamers used communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and project management skills in online environments and how employers could better recognize them.

Graduate researcher Meher Mujtehdi Syeda of the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology examined public perceptions of AI therapy, safeguards, and legal accountability. Her study found that safeguards were a primary factor in how participants assigned liability when something went wrong with an AI system.

鈥淲hat really interested me was seeing how much people are starting to rely on AI, not just for everyday tasks, but also for emotional and mental health support,” Syeda said. “AI can respond in a very human-like way and can even sound empathetic, but at the end of the day, it is a chatbot, not a licensed therapist. That made me interested in what happens when someone, especially a young or vulnerable person, starts depending on AI for that kind of support.鈥�

Assistant professor in the School of Social Work, Dr. Esaa Samarah, and graduate students Joanna S谩nchez, Morgan Craven, Myranda James, and Phillip Hill assessed how the use of corporal punishment changed across Arkansas public schools over 15 years. The project was prompted by the continued use of corporal punishment in some Arkansas schools and the broader shift toward trauma-informed approaches and positive school climates.

Katie Helms, an associate professor in the School of Counseling, Human Performance and Rehabilitation, examined another community-based question through her research on volunteers at road races in Arkansas. Using a mixed-methods approach, her study examined why people volunteered, the benefits they gained from the experience, and the factors that might have prompted them to continue volunteering.

Other faculty and graduate student presentations explored employment after incarceration, police reporting and AI, sentencing trends, leadership in law enforcement, telehealth, legal decision-making, and other matters impacting communities and organizations.

The projects presented at the symposium covered a wide range of topics, but each offered a closer look at an issue affecting people, organizations, or communities. The symposium gave researchers an opportunity to share their work with colleagues, hear different perspectives, and learn from research happening across the college.

鈥淭his year’s Research Symposium showcased the depth and range of scholarship happening across the College of Business, Health, and Human Services, which ranged from criminal justice and nursing, to social work and sports management,鈥� said Tusty ten Bensel, associate dean and professor of criminal justice.

鈥淭he interdisciplinary conversations that unfolded between faculty, students, staff, and community members reminded us why this event matters,” she added. McIngvale’s “keynote left a lasting impression on everyone in the room with her message about building resilience in young adults. Altogether, we are proud of the work happening across CBHHS, and grateful to everyone who made these two days a success.鈥�

The post CBHHS Research Symposium Highlights Research and Collaboration Across College appeared first on News.

Four UA Little Rock undergraduate programs earned spots in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings:

• Business 鈥� No. 262 (tie)
• Computer Science 鈥� No. 257 (tie)
• Nursing 鈥� No. 336 (tie)
• Psychology 鈥� No. 276 (tie)

鈥淗aving four undergraduate programs recognized nationally reflects the breadth and strength of the academic opportunities available to students at UA Little Rock,鈥� said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ann Bain. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud of the dedication of our faculty and their commitment to preparing students with the knowledge and experiences they need to thrive after graduation.鈥�

The annual U.S. News Best Colleges rankings are designed to help prospective students and their families compare colleges and universities across the country. In addition to institutional rankings, U.S. News evaluates undergraduate programs in several academic disciplines, including business, computer science, nursing, and psychology.

Business

UA Little Rock鈥檚 School of Business was ranked No. 262 nationally. The school combines classroom instruction with opportunities for students to gain practical experience and build connections with employers and business leaders throughout the region.

Mark Funk, director of the School of Business, credited the school鈥檚 faculty and the relationships they build with students for the recognition.

鈥淥ur faculty are the reason for this,鈥� Funk said. 鈥淭hey teach from experience, they know their students personally, and they invest in them well beyond the syllabus. That’s a rare thing, and we’re fortunate to have built it here.鈥�

Computer Science

UA Little Rock鈥檚 computer science program earned a No. 257 national ranking as the university continues to expand education and research opportunities in emerging areas of technology.

鈥淏eing ranked among the top 257 computer science programs nationally is a significant recognition of our faculty’s excellence, the quality of our programs, and our students鈥� success,鈥� said Dr. Ahmed Abu Halimeh, interim director of the School of Computer and Information Sciences. 鈥淚t reflects our continued commitment to academic excellence and preparing our graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.鈥�

Students in computer science have opportunities to build experience through coursework, research, and hands-on projects in areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and other emerging technologies.

Nursing

UA Little Rock鈥檚 School of Nursing was ranked No. 336 nationally. The university鈥檚 largest undergraduate program offers multiple pathways for students pursuing nursing careers, including the traditional RN, RN-to-BSN, and LPN/Paramedic-to-RN programs.

鈥淣ational recognition among top nursing programs reflects the excellence of our faculty, the commitment of our students, and our dedication to preparing nurses who make a positive impact in healthcare,鈥� said Dr. Elizabeth Sloan Davidson, director of the School of Nursing. 鈥淭he immersive simulation experiences at the Center for Simulation Innovation further strengthen our students鈥� workforce readiness by providing practical skills and confidence to excel from the start.鈥�

The Center for Simulation Innovation provides nursing students with opportunities to practice clinical skills and decision-making in realistic healthcare scenarios before entering professional practice.

Psychology

UA Little Rock鈥檚 psychology program was ranked No. 276 nationally, up from No. 297 in the 2026 rankings.

鈥淲e are excited to be recognized for the second year in a row 鈥� and especially pleased to have risen from No. 297 to No. 276,鈥� said Dr. Elisabeth Sherwin, chair of the Department of Psychological Science. 鈥淲e believe this recognition reflects the continued work of our faculty to provide students with a strong undergraduate education in psychological science and to ensure that our curriculum continues to evolve to meet the needs of our students.鈥�

In recent years, faculty have strengthened the program鈥檚 curriculum through a revamped virtual statistics lab using Excel and Python alongside writing-intensive Research Methods and Capstone courses. The program has also placed a greater emphasis on career readiness, while four new research labs have expanded opportunities for students to gain hands-on research experience alongside faculty.

Through nationally recognized academic programs, hands-on learning opportunities, and connections with employers and community partners, UA Little Rock continues to prepare students with the knowledge and experience they need to succeed after graduation.

Learn more about academic programs at UA Little Rock at ualr.edu/academics.

The post Four UA Little Rock Programs Earn National Recognition in 2027 U.S. & World Report Best Colleges Rankings appeared first on News.

An amazing work by a pioneering giant in the ceramics and contemporary听craft field,听Thinking Woman — a听permanent collection听gift and semi-permanent installation — is 1,600 pounds and assembled from 16 pieces, according to Brian Young, Windgate Center for Art听+ Design gallery director. A gift of Dr. Kirby and Priscilla Smith, of Memphis, the ceramics piece from 1993 welcomed students to the center as the new school year began last month, and it “reinforces an area of emphasis we teach” in the School of Art and Design — contemporary craft, including ceramics.听

Frey — the recipient of two National Endowment for the Arts fellowships and the Award of Honor in Sculpture from the San Francisco Arts Commission, among many other recognitions — was one of several California artists working in clay in the 1950s and 60s who turned away from that medium’s conventions to produce works with robust sculptural qualities associated with Abstract Expressionist painting, Pop art, and what would become known as California Funk, according to the Artists’ Legacy Foundation, of which Frey was a co-founder. She taught at California College of Arts and Crafts (now CCA) for over three decades, influencing generations of young artists and formalizing the use of clay as an artistic medium, prior to her 2004 death at age 70.

Frey and artists of her ilk didn’t want to abandon the figure for complete abstraction, but they also felt ceramics didn’t have to be only utilitarian, Young said. “I love the idea of clay in a non-utilitarian way — the glazes and colors look imperfect on purpose” — imperfection is embraced.

Multiple layers of brightly colored glazes are crucial for Frey’s work.

“I want the figures to get as close to the viewer as possible,” Frey noted in an Artist Statement. “I don’t want them to crush or overwhelm, but I do want them to intrude.” 

Thinking Woman “has a real presence — she knocks you back a little bit — but it’s a quiet presence,” said Young. “She’s not looking at you — her eyes are closed — and she’s thinking,” 脿 la The Thinker, by Auguste Rodin, “but still powerful.” 

Kirby Smith possessed the work for more than three decades, so he had a strong connection to the piece, and considered various museum venues.

“For 35 years, I had a satellite practice as a physician in Blytheville, so I am happy that Thinking Woman found a home in the state that I care so deeply for,” he said. “Her size shows there is no limit to the technical part of the medium of ceramics and the artist. Also, Thinking Woman is a great name for her.” 

Frey, who received her BFA and honorary doctorate from CCA, had her work spotlighted by a solo show at the now-Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in 2011, Young noted. In addition to a piece on display at that Little Rock arts museum, her work is also held in numerous public and private collections, including the Mus茅e d’Art Moderne de Paris (Paris Museum of Modern Art), Smithsonian American Art Museum (Washington, D.C.), the Whitney Museum of American Art (New York City), the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, among many others.

Art on display in the Windgate Center is designed to inspire students, and Thinking Woman is inspirational in several ways, Young said. It’s a female figure by a female artist, she did the work at an advanced age — demonstrating it’s never too late to create art — and it shows the possibilities of ceramics, even at large scale.

Furthermore, Frey found her own personal style, crucial for any artist, noted Young. “If you’re across a room, you can identify a Frey” piece.

Individuals are welcome to view Thinking Woman — as well as other art — at the Windgate Center, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, as well as 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. The galleries are free and open to the public. 

Currently, Todd Hido: A Series of Small Decisions and Invictus: Photographs by Angela Strassheim are exhibited in the Brad Cushman Gallery and Ann Maners and Alex Pappas Gallery, respectively.  often highlight stark landscapes and lonely buildings, while reflects the shared experience of “moving through life in a body always changing, and always carrying multiple selves at once,” according to her Artist Statement. 

“We try to do exhibits that match areas we teach” and that demonstrate output of professionals in the field so students can see paths to their own artistic careers, and both exhibitions accomplish those aims, Young said. They’re also a felicitous match with next month’s Society for Photographic Education (SPE) South Central Chapter Conference Oct. 23-24 at the Windgate Center. 

In addition, the North and South galleries are exhibiting Intersection of Craft and Photography, while the听SPE members juried exhibition is on display in the Focus Gallery. More details and information can be found in this news article about fall exhibitions.

“We’re trying to be the center of contemporary photography, at least for a few months,” Young said. “We’re very grateful for all the support we receive from Windgate, and I love when students, (teachers), and members of the public walk in to see” the art on display.

The post Viola Frey Sculpture Joins Art Collection at UA Little Rock Windgate Center appeared first on News.

After the 11th class day at UA Little Rock, undergraduate and graduate headcount is up 2% and 140 students for fall 2026, with student semester credit hours up 5.1% compared with the same time last year. Undergraduate enrollment continues to lead that growth, with headcount up 3.1%, or around 178 students, and undergraduate credit hours increasing 5.8%, as of September 9th.

Growth is particularly strong among new students. Combined, undergraduate first-time freshman and transfer students are up around 50 students. In all, more than 8,200 students are choosing to call UA Little Rock home this fall.听

鈥淭hese preliminary results show that more students and families are recognizing both the quality and affordability of a UA Little Rock education,鈥� said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. 鈥淭hat reflects years of work to strengthen the value we offer students through affordability, academic quality, hands-on learning, and the support they need to succeed. We are thrilled to welcome the first fall class of our second century.鈥�

The increase in student semester credit hours is another encouraging sign, Drale said, because it indicates students are enrolling in more coursework as they progress toward their degrees.

鈥淐redit-hour growth matters because it reflects students making meaningful progress toward completing their degrees,鈥� Drale said. 鈥淥ur responsibility now is to make sure every student has the resources and support to thrive from their first day through graduation.鈥�

Students are beginning the fall semester during a time of momentum across academics, research, student success, and athletics. This year鈥檚 students are part of a milestone moment for UA Little Rock, as the university celebrates its centennial and 100 years of expanding educational opportunity and serving Arkansas. This summer also marked the university鈥檚 move into the United Athletic Conference following the baseball program鈥檚 historic season and first appearance in an NCAA Super Regional.

The university also continues expanding opportunities for students through nationally recognized artificial intelligence research, a growing cybersecurity initiative that provides hands-on learning while serving communities across Arkansas, and a new graduate certificate in health informatics that launched this fall.

鈥淪tudents are looking for a university that delivers both opportunity and value,鈥� said Dr. W. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer. 鈥淭hese preliminary numbers suggest more students are finding that at UA Little Rock.鈥�

While undergraduate enrollment continues to grow, graduate enrollment remains an area of strategic focus. Preliminary graduate headcount is down 3.1%, a decline of less than 40 students, while graduate student semester credit hours are flat. The decline is concentrated primarily among international students. UA Little Rock is responding by strengthening graduate recruitment, adding workforce-focused programs, and increasing financial support. Beginning this fall, minimum graduate assistant stipends increased to $10,000 for master鈥檚 students and $15,000 for doctoral students 鈥� the university鈥檚 largest investment in graduate assistant stipends in more than a decade.

With the fall semester underway, UA Little Rock is focused on helping its growing student body make progress toward graduation. Students have access to academic advising, tutoring, career development, student organizations, and other resources designed to support their success throughout their time at the university.

鈥淓very fall brings a new class of students with their own goals, ambitions, and potential,鈥� Decker said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to have them on campus and to help them take advantage of everything UA Little Rock has to offer. As we begin our centennial year with more students choosing UA Little Rock, there鈥檚 tremendous energy around where this university is headed and what we can accomplish together. It鈥檚 an exciting time to be a Trojan.鈥澨�

The post UA Little Rock Begins Second Century with Continued Enrollment Growth appeared first on News.

“Our hope is to engage people — curious about the world around them — in science,” said听N铆听Chadhain, who is leading the effort to bring university collections together to form the museum. There are myriad “cool” items in the university’s collections, but they’ve mainly been used for classes — not open to public听view — and “we need to share with the public, (because) we are a public institution.”听

The museum, which will be located on the fifth floor of Ottenheimer Library, will be one leg of the university’s Science Triangle, a connected series of experiences designed to make STEM learning more accessible and engaging for students and the broader community. The triangle also includes the campus observatory and Shellam Flake Planetarium, slated to reopen in a limited capacity later this year.

The museum “is much more than a place to display collections; it is a cornerstone of our vision to transform UA Little Rock’s campus into one of (the state’s) premier destinations for STEM education, discovery, and public engagement,” noted Dr. Tansel听Karabacak, professor and dean of the听Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.听The Science Triangle will be “a unique learning ecosystem where students, researchers, educators, and families can explore everything from Earth’s biodiversity to the farthest reaches of the universe.”听

“What excites me most is the opportunity to inspire curiosity and lifelong learning while creating new possibilities for interdisciplinary research, experiential education, and community partnerships,” added Karabacak. “The Science Triangle will not only enrich the educational experience of our students, but will also become a regional resource that welcomes thousands of visitors each year and showcases UA Little Rock as a leader in science education and innovation.”

The Museum of Natural History will utilize myriad artifacts, minerals, and specimens to demonstrate the timeline of Arkansas, from when the state was literally underwater, to the present day, said听N铆 Chadhain. Interactive exhibits and educational experiences will connect students, school groups, and community members to the state’s history through the museum.听

“Arkansas hasn’t always looked the way it looks now — there was a time it was under a shallow sea, and the animals that lived here then are still here in the rock as fossils — we can’t make sense of where we are at now without knowing what came before, and fossils are the only record we have of that life and those changing environmental conditions,” said Dr.听Ren茅 Shroat-Lewis, associate professor in the geology department. “For a lot of people, their first real encounter with science doesn’t happen in a classroom, it happens in a museum, and we can be that first encounter here at UA Little Rock.”听

The goal is to have the museum ready for certain small groups of visitors by the end of this calendar year, with hopes to open widely to the public in spring 2027, said听N铆 Chadhain. “Our biggest effort so far has been getting our collections organized and catalogued,” as the biology department alone has more than 15,000 specimens.听

“Most of our specimens are from Arkansas — really local — which makes our collection unique,” and specimens date back several decades, so researchers can track how species have evolved, said Dr.听Raffaela Lesch, assistant professor of biology. For example, “we can study how populations” — such as raccoons — have “adapted as Little Rock became more urbanized.”听

“It’ll be so exciting to have the new museum space,” not only for displays, but storage, as “we can add more” specimens, said Lesch. As work continues, researchers from around the world will be able to collaborate with UA Little Rock to advance scientific knowledge and understanding, but the museum will also help preserve the collection for future researchers.听

Collections like these are “research material, and we hold them in trust,” keeping them available for those who wish to study them, said Shroat-Lewis. “Plus – and I think this is incredibly important” – museums are cradles of learning, where “it’s fine to not know something and ask questions.”听

Lesch and others in her department are already advancing research with technology that can — for example — create detailed 3D renderings of various animal skulls in the collection for study, she said. The aim is making specimens in the collection “untouchable by time.”听

The university’s “fantastic collection” of insects will also be featured in the museum, as well as rocks, minerals, and meteorites, plus various fossils,听 said听N铆 Chadhain. Additionally, “you’ll actually be able to see into the working museum space through glass” when touring the museum.

Fossils are where the story truly begins, “the first evidence we have of how life responds to a planet that keeps changing,” said Shroat-Lewis. While youth can view images of fossils in books, nothing compares with “standing in front of one and understanding it was an organism that was alive,” an opportunity they’ll have at the museum.听

Many items in the collection have been collected by UA Little Rock students, past and present, including Dr. Ian Clifton, now an assistant professor in the biology department who collected several specimens while an undergraduate at UA Little Rock from 2009-2013, a time when he fell in love with biology and research.听

“As part of my Vertebrate Zoology and Mammalogy classes, we were required to collect specimens and prepare them for the museum — there were opportunities to capture some of the specimens during field trips and labs, but a lot of the work happened outside of class — it took a lot of time and effort because it meant we had to apply what we had been learning in class to identify the best locations and habitats for the animals,” said Clifton. “It was challenging work, but I came out of the classes with a deeper understanding of the animals I was working with,听and it was the class that solidified my aspirations of going into research.”听

“Not only did I learn a ton about animals and practical skills, but I met some amazing people I’m still friends with today,” added Clifton. “I think this is a really unique aspect of field courses: you learn to work with people in different and challenging contexts, and that can be really effective for building lasting bonds.”听

Returning to his undergraduate institution was a “homecoming” for Clifton, and he appreciates the new perspective on UA Little Rock’s scientific work he has now as an educator compared with his student days.听

“We had discussions in class about the value of natural history collections, but at the time I don’t think I really appreciated how important natural history collections are as a scientific resource,” he said. “I’m glad now that I had the opportunity to contribute specimens that will inspire future generations of scientists and that those specimens may be used in the future to explore new scientific questions and provide new insight into how the natural world functions.”听

The museum was “developed out of the research endeavor,” as several science faculty have been working on a grant proposal to the National Science Foundation, and it became evident that sharing the university’s collection with the public could help advance science education in Arkansas, said听N铆 Chadhain. “We want our work on campus to be accessible and relevant to the public” — especially since Arkansas is “The Natural State” — and “it’s important for public institutions to communicate with the public.”听

So many Arkansans “feel a deep connection to nature and wildlife, and I think a lot of people will be just as excited to explore our collections as I am” through the new museum, said Clifton. “UA Little Rock has something truly unique” with its collections, and the museum “is an excellent way for UA Little Rock to showcase these collections and engage our community in new ways.”听

Creating the Museum of Natural History is an example of why听N铆 Chadhain听joined UA Little Rock in 2025 after nearly two decades at the University of South Alabama.听

UA Little Rock is “on the upswing” and provides a culture open to — and supportive of — big ideas, she said. “It’s a ‘Why not’ mindset — ‘why wouldn’t we try this’?”听

The post New Natural History Museum at UA Little Rock will be Scientific Outreach to Community appeared first on News.